In the Long Run

Some friends told me about a website, MapMyRun.com, which integrates Google map technology and workout information into an organizational tool for runners. Previously I had estimated the distance of parts of various runs that were along paths or trails that I could not drive and measure with my car’s odometer. This site allows me to trace my route and calculate my distances with precision, using the satellite/street hybrid view.

MapMyRun should interest other athletes as well, especially cyclists who want to plan their rides. It features some nifty tools, including workout logs and calendars, training plans, calorie counters, heart rate zone recommendations, custom reports—even a gear tracker which will tell me when I’ve accumulated the maximum recommended miles on my shoes. An obsessive runner could easily spend way too much time on this site. Of course I won’t do that. [grin]

I used the site to plan the 9-mile run that I took yesterday. The run went quite well, made all the more productive because I was able to identify the exact point of each mile I had run, and could regulate my speed accordingly. If only MapMyRun could find a way to moderate the temperature, muzzle barking dogs, pinpoint public water fountains, chastise rude drivers, and guarantee goal times, my runs would be near perfect!

Posted by Cyppy at 3:26 PM